Dragonvein (Book Two) (9 page)

“There are times I wish I
could
forget,” he replied.

“Did you see much death and battle?” asked Lylinora.

“Me and Markus both did,” he told her. “The Germans were tough as nails.”

“Yeah,” agreed Markus. “But we were tougher.”

Ethan grinned and nodded. “Damn right we were. They couldn’t match the 101st.”

After a brief pause, he added by way of explanation: “The 101st Airborne was the name of our division. Best of the best. Ain’t that right, Markus?”

Markus grinned back, but the smile was fleeting. When his eyes briefly met with Lylinora’s a moment later, it faded instantly. “We should be quiet,” he said brusquely. “I’d rather that no one know that we’re approaching.”

They continued for a short time longer. Markus quite suddenly then motioned for a halt and silence. Ethan heard it a second later. Voices - three men, just beyond a thick patch of brush.

He, Markus and Birger all drew their weapons.

“The rest of you stay here until I call,” Markus whispered.

The three of them crept silently closer until they were able to clearly hear the men’s conversation.

“Bloody dwarves,” one of them was saying. “What the hell are we doing? We’ve already delivered their goods.”

“I told you,” replied another. “We’re taking on passengers.”

“What kind of passengers?” asked the first.

“The kind that pay,” he replied irritably. “So just shut your fucking mouth and stop complaining.”

Ethan could make out that the smugglers were waiting for them in a small clearing, but from his current position he could only catch glimpses of the men themselves. Without a word, Birger then stepped forward into the open. Markus and Ethan quickly followed him. There was a clattering of steel as the startled men drew their weapons.

All three of them were dressed in worn shirts and tattered pants. Their faces were weathered and burned bronze from life at sea and long days in the hot sun. Two were thin, wiry individuals of average height, the third shorter and much thicker set.

“Peace,” said Birger.

The men looked at each other for a long, tense moment.

“You’re the passengers?” one of the thin smugglers eventually asked.

“We are,” confirmed Birger. “The rest of us are just over there.” He flicked a hand in the direction of the others.

The stout man sneered. “Since when do dwarves pal around with humans?”

“That’s not your concern, now is it?” said Birger.

“Not as long as you have gold,” he agreed.

Birger put away his weapon. Ethan, Markus and the smugglers cautiously did the same.

“Then suppose you bring your friends over,” said the thin smuggler on the left. “I want to get back. These woods make me nervous. Too many places to hide around here.”

Birger nodded to Markus, who called for the rest to come forward. The moment Lylinora appeared, all three smugglers grinned brutishly.

“Well, well, well,” the stout smuggler leered. “The captain didn’t mention this one. Who do you belong to lassie? Not to any of these fellows, I hope.”

“I belong to myself,” snapped Lylinora. “And you’d do well to remember that.”

The man let out a hideous laugh. “Spirited little wench, ain’t she fellas? Well, my pretty, we’ll see who you belong to before this trip is done.”

His words sparked an explosion of anger in Ethan. He reached for his sword, but had scarcely touched the hilt when Markus sprang forward in a blur of motion. His right fist smashed into the smuggler’s jaw, sending him hard down on his back. Before anyone could speak, he had straddled the man and was pressing a small dagger to his throat.

“Stay back, or he’s a dead man,” he shouted to the others.

The two other smugglers gripped the hilts of their swords, but did as Markus told them.

Ethan moved forward, but a warning glance from his friend halted him in his tracks.

Satisfied that no one was about to cause a problem, Markus bent down, his eyes fixed on the smuggler. “Do I have your attention?” he demanded.

The smuggler glared defiantly for a moment, but wisely nodded after Markus pressed the knife tip into the fleshy part of his neck, raising an immediate trickle of blood.

“I want you to listen to me very carefully,” Markus told him. His tone was measured and unemotional, but his eyes were ablaze. “If you ever speak to her again. If you look in her direction. If you so much as see her in your dreams, I’ll cut off your balls and ram them all the way down your miserable throat. This is not a threat. This is a cold, hard, indisputable fact. Are we clear?”

After the man nodded a second time, Markus looked up at his crew mates. “That goes for the two of you as well.” He lifted the blade and stood. “Now take us to your fucking ship.”

The man scrambled to his feet and joined his comrades. All three drew their weapons.

“You’ll pay for that, dog!” the stout one shouted.

Ganix stepped quickly forward. “Wait! This is not necessary.” Reaching into the pouch on his belt, he pulled out a handful of gold ingots. The mere sight of them was enough to make the smugglers hesitate.

“I’m sorry for my friend,” the king continued. “I’m afraid he’s a bit overprotective of the Lady.” He thrust the ingots forward. “Here. Take these.”

The men faltered, their eyes darting from the gold to Markus, who was stone faced but otherwise apparently relaxed. After putting away the dagger, he allowed his hand to rest casually on the hilt of his sword.

“Take them. Or you can explain to your captain why you insulted the woman who supplied the gold for this trip,” Ganix concluded.

The stout man reached out and snatched the gold. “Just keep that one away from me,” he snarled, pointing to Markus.

As the smugglers moved a short distance away to divvy up the ingots, Markus turned and smiled at Lylinora. But rather than receiving a look of appreciation, she stared at him furiously.

“What were you thinking?” she hissed. “You could have lost us the ship. Then what would we do?”

Markus was taken aback. “I didn’t want them…”

She cut him short. “Didn’t want them what? Insulting me? Ogling me?” She drew a deep breath. “Allow me to explain something to you. I am
not
your lady. And you are
not
my protector. The only reason you are here at all is because of Lord Dragonvein. So please get that into your thick head.”

Markus lowered his eyes. “I apologize.”

Ethan blinked. He had never seen Markus so submissive. First of all Kat, and now this. “Don’t be angry with him,” he said to Lylinora. “I was about to do the same thing.”

She peeled her gaze away from Markus and looked at Ethan. At once, her expression softened. “You shouldn’t worry about me. I’ve dealt with rogues like this before. I’ll be fine.”

“Move it if you’re coming with us,” shouted the stout smuggler.

Ganix and Birger led the way, followed by Lylinora. She brushed her shoulder against Ethan as she passed.

Markus huffed and shook his head. “It must be nice.”

“What do you mean?” asked Ethan.

“Nothing,” he replied. “Forget it.”

“You better be glad that Markus was the one who hit him,” said Kat, smirking. “That guy would have probably beat the crap out of you.”

This raised a laugh from Markus.

“She’s right you know,” added Jonas. “You shouldn’t be fighting unless it’s absolutely necessary. You’re too important right now to risk your life needlessly.”

Ethan scowled. He hated being treated like some small child who was unable to take care of himself. But deep inside he knew Jonas was right. He had to make it across the sea to the dragons. The feeling of urgency was growing stronger each day. And each night he felt more and more as if time was slipping through his fingers. The dragons’ call was becoming ever more desperate. Almost to the point of pleading.

After a few miles, the trees began to thin and Ethan could hear the sound of waves carrying on the wind. Then he caught sight of the sea and stopped short, almost causing Kat to bump into him. Rather than the often somber looking dark bluish green of the Atlantic, the water here was a sparkling baby blue that reflected the sun so brilliantly that he had to shield his eyes. Pure white foam capped the relentless series of waves as they pounded the beach of bright yellow sand.

A small row boat was waiting, and a few hundred yards off shore he could see their ship anchored. It reminded Ethan of the schooners he had watched in the New York Harbor as a boy. Three masts rose from a deck that, even from a distance, he could see was sleek and narrow. It was a ship built for speed rather than comfort. Good for a smugglers’ vessel, he guessed.

“It will take two trips to carry you
and
your gear,” said a thin smuggler.

Ethan didn’t like this idea one bit. Noticing his apprehension, Ganix gave his arm a light squeeze. He reached into his pouch, produced another three gold ingots, and tossed them to the man.

“I think you’ll find that we can fit everything into one trip,” he said

The man snorted. “Fine. But someone else can take the bloody oars.”

Chapter Seven

A
ching badly from
the hard rowing, Ethan rubbed his shoulders while watching the others climb the rope ladder to the ship’s deck. To his relief, rather than having to carry their packs up on their backs, these had already been hauled on board in a net. Only he and Lylinora were now left to climb.

“Don’t worry,” she whispered, smiling seductively while stepping onto the ladder. “I’ll take care of your aches and pains later.”

His heart raced as he tried to imagine exactly what she meant by this. The dream he’d had of her coming to his bedroom passed slowly through his mind.

The sound of Markus’ voice snapped him out of his reverie. “Come on. Move it.”

With a jolt, Ethan realized that Lylinora was already at the top. The burning in his shoulders grew much worse as he clambered up, and he was more than grateful for Markus’ extended hand helping him the final few feet and over the rail.

No sooner was he on board than Ethan felt the motion of the ship throwing him off balance. While grabbing hold of the side to steady himself, he noticed that Ganix, Jonas, and Birger were doing exactly the same thing, though Markus, Kat, and Lylinora seemed to be having no problem, and were already busy sorting out their packs.

The loud barking of orders and bursts of harsh laughter from thirty or more men scattered across the deck going about their various tasks dulled the sounds of the ocean in Ethan’s ears. He spotted a door at the rear of the ship just below the main wheel that had been propped open. Through here, men were constantly squeezing in and out as fast as their legs could carry them.

Looks of curiosity and suspicion came from all directions as the crew began taking note of the new arrivals. Dwarves were a rare sight to them. And as for a beautiful woman…such a presence was sufficient to draw forth a whole multitude of lustful stares.

A tall, black bearded man with grizzled features and oily, shoulder length hair moved toward them, his long leather coat flapping loosely in the breeze. Around the waist of his black trousers was strapped a wicked looking curved blade. When just a few yards away, he stopped to scrutinize Ethan and the others.

“Who here is named Ganix?” he demanded. His voice was deep and gruff.

“I’m Ganix,” the king replied, bowing low. “Do I have the pleasure of addressing the captain of this fine vessel?”

The man huffed and spat. “Keep your pleasantries to yourself, dwarf. I’ll have the rest of my gold, then you’ll have my name.”

“Of course,” said Ganix. He stumbled over to his pack, twice nearly falling before managing to retrieve a small box. He held this out. “Here is your payment. I think you’ll find it to be more than adequate.”

The man took the box, eyeing it warily before raising the lid. However, after looking briefly inside, a broad grin crept upon his face. “I’m Captain Jeridia. My ship is yours.”

He let out a high pitched whistle and three sailors immediately ran to his side. “Find these fine people accommodations and a good meal.” He looked at Ganix, then to Birger. “I’m not sure what dwarves eat, but you’re welcome to share what we have.”

“I’m sure we can find something to our liking,” said Ganix.

“I could do with some meat,” Ethan blurted out.

The captain glanced down at the box. “I have smoked pork and some lamb in my personal stores. I’ll see that you have it.”

Ethan’s mouth watered at the prospect.

Two sailors picked up everyone’s packs, while the third one led them through the open door and into the ship’s interior.

“The women will stay in the first mate’s cabin,” he told them. “The rest of you will need to bunk in the cargo hold.”

As they moved along, Ethan noted the location of the galley, as well as what looked like a crew area where several tables were placed. The first mate’s quarters turned out to be alongside the captain’s cabin at the very rear of the ship. Lylinora gave him a tiny smile as she entered. Kat did not look at all pleased while following her, but said nothing.

The smugglers must have completed most of their deliveries, because once down in the main cargo hold Ethan noted that it was relatively empty at present. They were taken to a raised platform at the bow that was covered with empty sacks and a few crates.

Birger grumbled. “Smells like filth.”

“Best we can do,” said the lead sailor. “This ain’t no pleasure vessel, after all.”

“It will do nicely,” Ganix assured him.

The other two sailors tossed the remaining packs onto the platform. All three then hurried back to their duties.

“How long must we suffer this?” asked Birger. He was beginning to look distinctly pale.

Ganix cracked a smile. “A rough, strong miner like you should be able to endure.”

Birger swallowed hard. “This is no place for a dwarf. Give me a tunnel any day.”

“Come with me,” Markus told him. “You need some fresh air before you vomit all over yourself.”

At first Birger shook his head, but a moment later his hand shot up to cover his mouth and he nodded furiously.

Both Ethan and King Ganix burst into laughter. Jonas however, was also looking rather pale. “I think I’ll go with you,” he said.

After the three had gone, the remaining pair cleared away the sacks and crates.

“Poor Birger,” remarked Ganix, still grinning.

“The ocean doesn’t seem to bother you,” Ethan said.

“It did the first time,” he admitted. “And to be honest, I’m still not exactly fond of the sea.”

“Me either,” said Ethan. He went on to tell the king of his voyage from America to England.

“Do you miss it?” asked Ganix. “Earth, I mean.”

Ethan shrugged. “I did when I first got here. But to tell you the truth, the longer I’m in Lumnia, the more it feels like my home.” He thought for a moment, picturing the world he had departed. “When I left, almost the whole world was at war with itself. And now that I’m here, I find things are just the same.”

“But
here,
the fate of that war rests squarely on your shoulders,” said Ganix.

“True.” Ethan hesitated before adding: “I can’t explain it, but I know this is where I belong.”

Ganix locked eyes with him. “That feeling wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain young woman, would it?”

Ethan blushed. “It’s not just that.”

“Be careful with her. I sense she has her own agenda.”

“What do you mean?”

“Nothing evil or harmful,” he explained. “But with mages…and nobles, not everything is always as it appears. As a noble myself, I should know.” He squeezed Ethan’s shoulder. “I just don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

“I’ll be careful,” he promised. But in spite of the king’s words, he couldn’t make himself believe that Lylinora was deceiving him in any way. Her feelings were genuine. They must be.

Ganix nodded. “I can see the recklessness of a young heart in you. Just know that if you need my council, I’m here to give it.”

“Thank you.”

They both unpacked a blanket and a small pillow, along with a few other odds and ends. Ethan had no idea what purpose half of the things inside his pack were meant for. Also, annoyingly, several mementos he had picked up from the dwarves were missing. Next time, I’ll pack my own equipment, he promised himself.

The rapid ringing of a bell suddenly sounded from above. A few minutes later Kat arrived bearing a sour expression.

“Lylinora wants to see you,” she told Ethan.

“What is it between you two?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she replied. “I just don’t like her.”

“Hell, I know that. But you act…I don’t know…like you’re afraid of her.”

Kat straightened her back. “I’m not afraid. It’s just…I…I want to learn magic. And she’s the only one who can teach me.”

“I’ll teach you if you’d rather,” he offered.

She laughed sarcastically. “You? I pick it up twice as easy as you do already.”

“Yes, but at least you wouldn’t have to be around Lylinora. I’ll teach you whatever she teaches me.”

Kat shook her head. “Thanks anyway, but I’d rather learn from her.”

Ethan shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

Kat plopped down on Ethan’s blanket and rolled over. “You better go or she’ll be mad at you.”

Somehow, Ethan doubted that. Lylinora never seemed to be unhappy with him…even when she had good reason to be.

He set off back to the first mate’s quarters. The sailors he passed on the way regarded him with clear suspicion, and some even with outright dislike. He wondered if their attitude was simply because he was a stranger, or perhaps due to the fact that he traveled with dwarves. Either way, he decided that he would have to stay very much on his guard until they reached their destination.

Lylinora answered immediately when he knocked. She was wearing just a soft cotton robe and a pair of slippers. Her hair was now untied and hanging loosely, tumbling down over her shoulders and back. The cabin itself was small and sparsely furnished. A single bed was to his left, and a small desk stood in the far right corner. A seaman’s chest plus a rickety dresser and an upright wooden chair completed the décor.

“It’s a bit tight in here,” Ethan observed.

She picked up a brush from the dresser and sat on the bed. “I don’t mind. At least, not when you’re here.” She smiled at him and began slowly brushing her hair.

Even such ordinary tasks appeared seductive to Ethan. Her eyes twinkled in the dim light of the brass lantern hanging from the ceiling. Tiny beads of perspiration glistened on her chest.

He sat down beside her. “Kat said you wanted to see me.”

“I just wanted to relieve the pain in your shoulders,” she replied. “As promised.”

Only then did he notice that the dull aching was still there. “I’m all right. Really.”

“Nonsense.” She set the brush down and placed her hands on his arms. Instantly, he felt the heat of her touch. Within seconds, the pain was gone completely.

“There. Isn’t that better?”

He rolled his shoulders and nodded. “Amazing. I wish I could do that.”

Lylinora tilted her head and crinkled her nose. “I doubt you’ll be very good at healing. You’re more like your father. Elemental magic and conjuring. But I can try to teach you, if you would like.”

She resumed brushing her hair, humming softly all the while. Ethan was unsure if he should stay or go. Her gaze was still fixed on him, and the sweet sound of her voice was incredibly soothing. In a moment of sudden abandon, he leaned in to kiss her.

With a small gasp and eyes wide with shock, she jerked back away from him. Ethan was instantly mortified at what he had done. How could he have been so stupid? He leapt up and covered his face. “Oh my God!” he gasped. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have…”

Cheeks burning, he started to leave.

“Ethan! Wait!”

He froze just as his hand was reaching for the doorknob. He heard the floor plank behind him creak, then felt her hands on the small of his back. “I’m so embarrassed,” he mumbled. “I thought you…I should go.”

Taking hold of his arm, she gently turned him around. “No. I’m the one who should feel embarrassed. My actions caused this. I made you think I was ready for something I’m not.”

She placed her hands on his face. “But if you are patient with me…I will be.”

Much as he wanted to, Ethan was unable to meet her direct gaze. “Of course,” he said meekly. “As long as it takes.”

Without another word and with head lowered, he hurried from the cabin. The cold pressure in his chest was making the narrow hallways of the ship feel like a prison. He needed to get up onto the deck outside.

“What was I thinking?” he growled. “What a moron!”

“Who’s a moron?”

Looking up, Ethan saw Markus emerging from the galley door only a couple of paces ahead.

“
I’m
a moron,” he said.

“You’re only just figuring that out?” his friend teased. But he could see that Ethan was in no mood for jovial banter. “I’ll come up on deck with you,” he offered.

When they stepped outside, the ship’s sails were already unfurled and they were now heading steadily away from the shore. Birger was midship, his head hanging over the side. Markus chuckled at the sight, but soon noticed that Ethan was not sharing his amusement. His smile fading, he led him up a ladder to a catwalk a few yards behind the main wheel. The captain was there and nodded a greeting.

“What’s wrong?” Markus asked after moving them out of earshot.

Ethan leaned against the railing and closed his eyes. He could still see the look of shock on Lylinora’s face. “I just made a complete fool of myself,” he admitted.

“How’s that?”

Ethan told him what had happened.

Markus’ face became unreadable. For a second he looked as if he would say something, but then instead turned to stare out at the ocean.

“I should have known,” Ethan muttered through clenched teeth after a moment or two of silence.

“Known what?”

“That she wouldn’t want someone like me.”

Markus looked at him sideways. “Actually, I’m amazed that she turned you down. She’s done nothing but flirt with you for days.”

“I know. Well, that’s what I thought she was doing. But I guess I was wrong about that.”

Markus shook his head. “You weren’t wrong, I’m sure of it. If you ask me, I think she’s playing games with you.”

“Maybe,” said Ethan. “But I still can’t help feeling like I did something wrong.”

“You didn’t. I promise.” He flashed a toothy smile and put his arm around Ethan’s shoulder. “You’re a bloody boy scout. You couldn’t do anything wrong if you wanted to.”

His words made Ethan feel a touch better. “Thanks,” he said.

“Don’t you go worrying yourself about Lylinora,” Markus continued. “She’ll come around. I’d put a sack of gold on it.” With that, he gave Ethan a hearty slap on the back and strode away.

“Where are you going?” Ethan called out, just as his friend reached the ladder.

“Nowhere special,” he replied. “Just taking a look around.”

*

Markus waited until he was certain that Ethan hadn’t followed him before pounding on the cabin door.

Lylinora answered. Her face darkened the moment she saw him.